Step 2
At this stage you need to explore:
- What are my possible topics?
- What do I know about those topics?
- Which words would be good search terms and keywords?
Step 3
Do some background reading on your topic. Ask yourself...
|
|
Step 4
Define your topic. You need to understand what you will be researching. Utilize...
Step 5 |
|
Step 6
Plan your project using an outline. The Extended Essay takes approximately 40 hours to complete. One key to success is to stay on pace. Click here to view a timeline. Your supervisor will check in with you at this time so make sure you are on pace.
Step 7
Identify your sources and understand how you will use them. Click here to figure out what the best source for your particular question is. Don't be overwhelmed by the amount of information you find. Only collect what might be useful to you. Here is a source tracker designed to make your life easier. It is HIGHLY suggested that you use this. When looking at sources, be sure to distinguish between Primary and Secondary sources. You can find out how to do that by clicking here.
It is important to use the correct format when citing these sources as soon as you find them. While it might seem time consuming now, it will save your time later on. Use smart research strategies (See Step 4) to further your research.
It is also important to remember to only use academic sources in your research. Sites like Wikipedia are good for getting background information, but are not considered credible within academic research. For more information on figuring out if a site is credible, click here.
Determine what information from your sources is useful for your specific research question. Just because something is interesting doesn't mean it should be included in your project. Be sure to use research methods that are appropriate for your field of research. Your supervisor will be able to guide you on this process.
If you are struggling to find information on your topic, you will need to change your research question.
It is important to use the correct format when citing these sources as soon as you find them. While it might seem time consuming now, it will save your time later on. Use smart research strategies (See Step 4) to further your research.
It is also important to remember to only use academic sources in your research. Sites like Wikipedia are good for getting background information, but are not considered credible within academic research. For more information on figuring out if a site is credible, click here.
Determine what information from your sources is useful for your specific research question. Just because something is interesting doesn't mean it should be included in your project. Be sure to use research methods that are appropriate for your field of research. Your supervisor will be able to guide you on this process.
If you are struggling to find information on your topic, you will need to change your research question.
Step 8 |
Manage your time wisely. As full IB students you will have a number of long-term projects that need to be completed. Waiting until the last minute will lead to poor performance and ultimately endanger your ability to pass IB. It is YOUR responsibility to manage your time so that you do not become overwhelmed. This link can help you manage your time better.
To manage your time, it helps to:
To manage your time, it helps to:
- Be aware of your own time management
- Be aware of how long it takes you to complete each type of study task
- Schedule time for unforeseen events
- Schedule time for relaxation and leisure. Mental health is important and ignoring it will hurt your academic progress
- Be very specific in your time-planning
Step 9
Create an outline for your essay. Outlines are a map for writing and will ensure that you cover all that you need to. An outline breaks down your research in a clear, hierarchical manner. Writing an outline before beginning the paper is most helpful in organizing one's thoughts. If your outline is good, your paper should be easy to write.
It is also important to be familiar with the requirements for the EE in your area of research when writing the outline. After you write your outline, cross reference it with the requirements to make sure nothing is missing.
It is also important to be familiar with the requirements for the EE in your area of research when writing the outline. After you write your outline, cross reference it with the requirements to make sure nothing is missing.
Step 10
Assess the sources you have used. This can be done by using a CHECKLIST and the CRAAP Test. If you are struggling to find enough credible information on your topic, you will need to change your research question. Add credible sources to your outline where they will be inserted into the essay.
Step 11
Complete your research. Be sure to look at scholarly sources. Additionally, you should find both Primary and Secondary forms of research.
Primary research techniques include:
|
|
Secondary sources may include include:
- printed works - books, journals, newspapers, magazines
- internet sources - websites, articles, journals and so on, available only online
- Other media sources - films, TV and radio programs
- any other published information containing ideas and information relating to your choice of topic
Step 12
Begin to write your essay. Remember, your outline is a map for your essay. Follow it. Be sure that your writing is academic. You can learn how to do academic writing by clicking here.
As you write, you should be sure to include appropriate citations. Click here to make sure you are following the correct format for paraphrasing and citing your Extended Essay.
Remember, this is just a draft. It does not need to be perfect. At this point you just need to get words on paper. Don't worry about making it sound perfect or fitting within the word count. That will come later.
As you write, you should be sure to include appropriate citations. Click here to make sure you are following the correct format for paraphrasing and citing your Extended Essay.
Remember, this is just a draft. It does not need to be perfect. At this point you just need to get words on paper. Don't worry about making it sound perfect or fitting within the word count. That will come later.
Step 13
Proofread your essay. This is where you need to polish your work. Start by making a copy of your original work and making all changes there. This lets you see the progress and gives you something to go back to if you change your mind later. Remember to make sure you followed correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Ensure that you meet all requirements from this checklist. If you can't check all the boxes you need to go back and make modifications.
Make sure your entire paper in written in the same tense and in a formal register. For more information on the basic rules of writing in English, click here. For tips on being an effective proofreader, click here and here.
Make sure your entire paper in written in the same tense and in a formal register. For more information on the basic rules of writing in English, click here. For tips on being an effective proofreader, click here and here.
Step 14
Self-evaluate. Read your essay from the perspective of the grader and with a critical eye. Then complete the Extended Essay Checklist. It comes directly from the IB EE markscheme. When you are able to answer yes to all questions, your Extended Essay is ready to be submitted. Lastly, ensure that the EE is formatted correctly. For examples, click here.
Step 15
Check for Academic Integrity. You can check your work for free by clicking here. Additionally, the EE Coordinator will check your work on Turnitin.com before submitting your work to IB. For more information on Academic Integrity, click here. At this point you will also conduct your Viva Voce interview with your supervisor. Here are some sample questions that you may be asked. For more help on reflecting, click here.
Adapted from https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee/the-basics